What are the basic needs to use 
multi-media in my ministry?

Have you ever returned from a concert or church that used music and videos and projects through out their program and wish you could start doing multi-media in your children's ministry? Well, you can. There is some basic equipment to do what the big boys (and girls) are doing.

Buy Quality
One thing I try to do is buy professional quality equipment whenever possible. I have learned the hard way that cheap equipment is usually cheap equipment. It doesn't last as long or sound as good. The other thing I've learned, is that professional equipment is available and usually, not much more than the cheap stuff. For example, early on a purchased some headset microphones from Radio Shack that were around $60.00. I was happy. However, these microphones had very small, headphone like wiring and required a small battery that powered a small, inline booster. They wouldn't work without the booster and you never knew when they battery was going to run out. Now, jump forward four years, I purchased a wired, headset microphone for around $80.00 with a professional XLR connector that plugs straight into my mixer with no adaptors and no battery boosters. It also sounds better.

One last word on this. Quality doesn't have to mean expensive. I've bought the lower end equipment from professional suppliers and still come out ahead. Look for deals. (I love Google!!)

SOUND
Using music in your program may be as easy as an inexpensive CD player. Forgive me, but if you haven't graduated to CD's, then well, allow me to say, let's go! The plus of a CD or Compact Disc is that you can jump straight to the song or drama or sound effect you need. There's no rewinding or fast forwarding. Just find the track, and play. If you've ever found yourself in the wrong spot on your tape during a puppet skit, you know it's agony to find your spot while everyone waits and listens. CDs also last longer and wear better than the cassette tapes of old. The sound is also sharper and production is also easy. Of course, if you are really with it, an MP3 player or ipod could be your musical source.

Now, if you want to do more with your sound, you will want to move up to a sound system. This can include speaker set around the room, or mounted on tripods or hanging from walls. They'll be wired to a variety of items. If you are only using prerecorded tracks, you may only need a CD player that will connect to your speakers. If you will be adding live sound from microphones, mixing sounds from several CD players, or using your computer for your sound, you will want some type of sound mixer.

Sound mixers come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Let me suggest to get something, if you can afford it, that will handle a little more than you currently need. This way, you can do more in the future, without buying more equipment. A simple mixer that will let you connect a few microphones for puppets , also a cd player and the sound from your computer should cover all the bases. Check out the notes on microphone cables, adapters and wires to be sure all your stuff will work together. If your mixer is a powered mixer, it will plug into the wall and simple speakers will work. If your mixer is not a powered mixer (generally less expensive) you will either need to have an amplifier to boost the signal from your mixer to your speakers or you will need powered speakers. Simply stated, either your mixer needs electricity or your speakers need electricity.

I use a small, but good, Macki mixer and a set of JBL powered speakers to have a portable, flexible and powerful audio system. Be sure to get equipment that will provide quality to sound to the biggest room or audience you will have.

MICROPHONES
Okay, let me first declare my ignorance on microphones. Some people have an ear for sound. Not me. Either it's loud enough or turn it up! I don't have high dollar, fancy named microphones. Mine are sturdy, metal and yes, they were cheap. Yes, I know what I just said about buying cheap, but some times you can get quality and still get a good deal. Besides,  I'm a sucker for a buy one get one free deal and have more microphones than I currently need, but hey, they were free and I've got big dreams! These are hand held microphones that fit on traditional microphone stands. If you are going to do any live puppet skits or speaking in a good size room, you'll need some microphones.

Most of my microphones are wired. I used to borrow some extra wireless units from our church's main sound systems. A note on that, get to know the person who runs or buys sound equipment for your church. I've gotten several items that were replaced when they upgraded the sound booth in our auditorium. We've found stuff sitting in a closets in odd boxes years later (get to know your janitor!).

I also have a couple of Radio Shack headset microphones and one good headset microphone as I mentioned above. We use these for our live puppet skits.

I have also purchased an inexpensive condenser microphone for recording puppet skits, dramas and other audio projects. Now, I won't explain how this mic is different, because I don't know, but it is. It picks up everything! It does require something called Phantom power. The only thing I'll say about that is, be sure your mixer will work with this type of microphone before you buy one. You can buy other condenser mics that don't require this, or come with their own power supply. Mine works great and looks really cool!

I also have a wireless microphone unit that allows me to use three lapel mics and one handheld mic all at the same time with just one receiving unit.

VIDEO
The easiest way to do video is by using a television set and a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder/Player) or a DVD player. Let me suggest now, if you are just building your video library to go with DVDs. These are so much nicer, like CDs, and will last longer than any VHS tape. I've actually seen DVD players out that are cheaper than VCRs. The bonus with a DVD player, is it will also play audio CDs. If all you are doing is playing CDs and showing DVDs, one player may handle both your needs. If you will be using or creating "burned" or home made DVDS, be sure your DVD player will play various formats (DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW and DVD-RW). I won't get into the difference, but recordable DVDs that you can purchase will be one of the above mentioned formats and some players will play all, some or none listed. Some computer DVD burners will burn or create videos on all, some or one of the above mentioned formats.

One other note, be sure your television has the necessary connections to hook up your VCR or DVD player. Again, you can check out the notes on wires, connectors and such to get a better understanding of what to look for.

Next, you can move to using a computer to run your multi-media. You can read more about that in the article "Using a Computer to Run Your Children's Church Multi-Media". To show video to a large group, you may want to look into using a video projector. This will project video from your VCR, DVD player and/or computer up on to a wall or screen. The prices for these projectors have dropped over the years and are continuing to drop. You can now get a projector for under $1000. I know, still pretty high, but give it time.

These are what I think are the basics: sound and video. Good luck and be sure to shop around for the best deal, but first look around your church for some left over treasures just waiting to be used again.

Kidminister, 2005